On our homestead, we are new to the art of Herbalism.  There are many forms of Herbalism such as teas, infusions, tonics, tinctures, decoctions, salves, and syrups.

What is Herbalism?

It is the study of botany and use of plants intended for medicinal purposes or for supplementing a diet. Plants have been the basis for medical treatments through much of human history, and such traditional medicine is still widely practiced today. -Wikipedia

Herbal Tea/Infusion: The extraction of herbs and roots in water.

Tincture: Alcoholic extracts and much stronger than herbal teas.

Decoction:  Are boiled extracts, usually with much harder substances such as roots or bark.

Salve: A mixture of oils mixed with beeswax to create a topical ointment.  (best way to describe is the consistency of Chapstick)

Syrup:  A mixture of a decoction and raw honey.

Capsules: Ground dried herbs pressed in a gelatin capsule.  These are almost like taking an herbal pill.

Essential Oils: Are much harder to do yourself as it involves a not so easy extraction process.  These are typically purchased and are therapeutic oils.  You can add them to lotions or oils for topical use, add to a humidifier, or to homemade products such as candles or soaps.

Here are some books that I recommend:

Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine (550 herbs and remedies for Common Ailments) written by Andrew Chevallier, FNIMH

The Complete Medicinal Herbal written by Penelope Ody

 

DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical or healthcare professional.  Much of the information I share comes from my own knowledge and books that I have purchased specifically geared towards Herbalism.  Please before trying any of the recipes within this blog, conduct your own research.